New pavilion at Grouse Mountain Lodge offers wedding, event space
JULIE ENGLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 1 week AGO
Julie Engler covers Whitefish City Hall and writes community features for the Whitefish Pilot. She earned master's degrees in fine arts and education from the University of Montana. She can be reached at [email protected] or 406-882-3505. | November 5, 2025 1:00 AM
A new 8,250-square-foot pavilion designed to accommodate weddings, community celebrations and business events is under construction at Grouse Mountain Lodge.
According to Rob Spence, vice president and general manager of Glacier Park Collection by Pursuit, the existing golf course, ski trails and soccer fields will not be affected by the pavilion.
The structure will be located at the south end of the existing hotel where, in the summer months, the lodge usually erects a tent for events and weddings.
“We have approximately 8,000 square feet of conference space today at Grouse, and that would be year-round inside space,” Spence said. “By adding this 8,250-square-foot pavilion, we're doubling our conference square feet, and we just recognize that there's a year-round opportunity for events ... and are taking the opportunity to build this new facility to provide that service both to the community and to the market.”
Cushing Terrell and Martell Construction partnered on the project which features architecture that mixes mountain town charm with high-end finishes. The renderings show towering ceilings, dark wood beams, French doors and an abundance of windows.
The building has room for 250 guests at a banquet, 300 in theatre seating or 350 for a reception, and construction is expected to wrap up in October 2026.
The venue is equipped with audio-visual capabilities, and clients may utilize the support of a dedicated conference and event services team, as well as hospitality and catering services.
Grouse Mountain Lodge offers 144 guest rooms, shuttle service to Glacier Park International Airport and downtown Whitefish, and access to Glacier National Park.
“For over 40 years, Grouse Mountain Lodge has been a trusted gathering place,” said Spence. “This new pavilion is a reinvestment in that legacy -- purpose-built to offer a space for both out-of-town guests and the community to gather, celebrate, connect and create lasting memories.”
Spence said since demand for the facility will be extremely high at some points in the year and more availability at other times, the rate structure will flex.
"I think that there's an opportunity to open that up to community events and organizations,” he said, adding that the hotel currently hosts the Grouse Mountain HOA meetings. “We would love to continue doing more groups, smaller and larger, as some people become aware of the product and its availability.”
ARTICLES BY JULIE ENGLER
Park Board reviews Glacier Twins' lease at Memorial Park
The Whitefish Park Board on Tuesday was expected to discuss the city’s lease agreement with the Glacier Twins baseball club for use of Memorial Field and a new accounting method for the revenue from a cell tower at the park.
Chairlift: Friendship
Thanks to everyone who reads the Pilot and an extra thank you to those who’ve asked me when I’m going to write another Chairlift.
Downtown group retains private firm to advise Whitefish on growth policy update
Heart of Whitefish presented a letter from a privately hired consultant to the Whitefish Planning Commission with suggestions for the land use element of the city’s growth policy update.
